ScotRail is encouraging people to travel by rail during the largest cycling event ever to take place in Scotland next month.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will necessitate numerous road closures, while the railway will continue to operates.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was formed in 1900, and is the world governing body of cycling. Next month’s event is the first of its kind, bringing together the world’s best riders to compete in a variety of cycling disciplines between Thursday 3 and Sunday 13 August.

Around eight thousand elite and amateur cyclists, from more than one hundred and twenty countries, are expected to take part in the eleven-day championships, taking place in venues and locations in Glasgow and across Scotland.

Venues in Glasgow include the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Emirates Arena, Glasgow Green, Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood.

Other areas hosting events are Dundee & Angus, Perth & Kinross, Dumfries & Galloway, Stirling, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and the Nevis Range in Fort William.

ScotRail is urging those who wish to travel to use train services, as they will be the most reliable and convenient way to get around.

Road closures will affect the shuttle bus service between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central throughout the event, so ScotRail is advising passengers to consider changing trains at Partick for services to Glasgow Queen Street Low Level or Glasgow Central Low Level. Those travelling to or from the east are urged to consider using services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts.

The operator is urging passengers planning to travel with their bicycle to use one of the thousands of cycle spaces available at Scottish stations. Cycle Hubs or racks are available at most ScotRail stations, providing secure storage for bicycles and enabling integrated journeys.

ScotRail is encouraging anyone travelling during the Championship to plan their journey in advance, as services to and from some venues may be busier than usual experience higher demand with spectators travelling to and from the event.

Information is available as follows:

• Full details of the road closures across Scotland are available here.
• Road traffic and travel updates are available on the Traffic Scotland Website.
• Public Transport updates are available on the Traveline Scotland website and on the Traveline Scotland app.
• People can phone the Traffic Customer Care Line on 0800 028 1414 for both road and public transport information.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, and want to ensure our customers have a seamless travel experience during this exciting event.

“While some roads may be closed, Scotland’s Railway will remain open, providing safe, reliable, and sustainable transport for customers.

“Our advice to customers is to plan your journey ahead of time, consider using the Cycle Hubs and racks at stations if travelling with a bike, and allow extra time for travel as there is the potential for some busier services to and from the venues.”

Hugh Gillies, Transport Scotland Director, said: “With only a few weeks to go, excitement is building ahead of the largest cycling event ever to take place in Scotland.

“It is a timely reminder for people that cycle hubs or racks are available at most Scotrail stations, as we want this event to promote sustainable, healthy and integrated travel options and deliver a lasting legacy.

“However, with people being asked to leave the car at home, where possible, rail services will be busier than usual, so passengers should plan ahead, and be aware of higher demand across the network during the various events.

“We really need the public and spectators to play their part and check before they travel, to maximise their enjoyment and ensure Scotland is on the global map for all the right reasons.”

Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive of the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is the first of its kind event and we look forward to welcoming cycling fans to Glasgow and Scotland for 11 days of incredible sporting action.

“A huge amount of planning has gone into ensuring this will be fantastic event for all so I encourage everyone, whether you are attending the Championships or not, to plan ahead using the ScotRail website to make sure you have the best day possible.”